REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL / Programmes / Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management

Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management

This school leadership and management qualification is designed for South Africa's education sector, drawing on the Department of Basic Education's national framework for developing school leaders   ENQUIRE NOW

1 year
NQF Level 7
120 credits

Course Overview

The purpose of REGENT Business School’s Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management is to empower school leaders to develop the skills, knowledge, and values needed to lead and manage schools effectively, to work together in communities of practice, and to contribute to improving the quality of education delivery across the school system.

 

School systems generally focus on student achievement within a framework of managerial accountability, placing schools and their leaders under increasing pressure to be effective. The notion of leadership is continually evolving, often moving simultaneously in several directions at once, as leader, manager, and administrator. School leaders carry multiple responsibilities: they’re expected to be effective managers and, with a focus on student achievement, effective instructional leaders.

 

The programme aims to improve competence in school leadership and school management, including information technology, quality, and financial management, while providing insight into school governance.

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Objectives

This programme aligns with the requirements of the South African higher education system (NQF Level 7), preparing aspiring and practising school leaders to manage schools effectively, improve teaching and learning, and ensure compliance with national education policies. Students will learn to:

 

  • Develop a self-aware, reflective school leadership identity and practice
  • Understand the South African context, legislative and policy frameworks, and constitutional values that shape school leadership and culture
  • Analyse the role of the school principal as an agent of change, with reference to the South African Standard for School Principalship
  • Promote school cultures grounded in social justice and Child Rights
  • Apply quality management and accountability principles within a framework of democratic transformation
  • Understand generic leadership and management principles, including planning, organising, governance, evaluation, and control, and apply them to people, teaching and learning, facilities, external relations, learner affairs, administration, and finance within a school

Studying at REGENT Business School

The Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management is delivered through distance learning, giving practising school leaders the flexibility to complete the qualification while continuing in their roles. The Professional Portfolio and Workplace Project is embedded throughout the year, letting you apply your learning directly within your own school.

(In-person sessions are held in regions with sufficient demand.)

Course Structure and Modules

Duration: 1 year 
The programme comprises 7 modules.

Modules

Semester 1 :

  • Professional Portfolio and Workplace Project

  • Leading and Managing Teaching and Learning in the School

  • Leading and Managing the School as an Organization

  • Leading and Managing Extra-curricular and Co-curricular Activities

Semester 2 :

  • Working Within and for the School System

  • Leading and Managing People and Change

  • Working with and for the Wider Community

Career Outcomes

This qualification is designed for practising and aspiring school leaders. Career opportunities include:

 

  • School Principal
  • Deputy Principal
  • Head of Department (HOD)
  • School Management Team (SMT) Member
  • Education District or Circuit Official
  • Curriculum Advisor

Entry requirements

The minimum admission requirements for the Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management are:

 

  • An appropriate Diploma or equivalent qualification; or
  • An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification; and
  • Two years of managerial work experience

 

Applicants who don’t meet the minimum requirements but have relevant work experience may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an alternative form of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a one-year, NQF Level 7 qualification from REGENT Business School, built on the Department of Basic Education’s national curriculum for developing school leadership and management competence.

An appropriate Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent qualification, plus two years of managerial work experience. Recognition of Prior Learning is available for applicants who don’t meet the formal requirements but have relevant work experience.

Seven core modules across two semesters, including a Professional Portfolio and Workplace Project that spans the full year, totalling 120 credits.

This qualification is built on the Department of Basic Education’s national curriculum for school leadership, covering teaching and learning management, school governance, people and change management, and community engagement over a single academic year.

REGENT Business School offers this qualification as part of its School of Education programmes, following the same national curriculum structure used by other South African institutions offering school leadership qualifications.

Graduates are prepared for roles including School Principal, Deputy Principal, Head of Department, School Management Team member, and education district or circuit official positions.

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